Broadside entitled 'A New-Years-Gift'

Transcription

A New-Years-Gift:RESPECTFUL WISH,

From the Hand of a Stragger who (upon the 28th, of November)was a Sufferer by the Fire which happened in the Canongate.

TOMY LORD BALMERINO

MAY this Years Influence, the Nation Bless,With Native Product, and with Good Success;Begin with Peace, and end in Happiness.Good as the Best, and Better than the Last,Better than that, in which for Touch, and Taste,The first made Two, was out of Eden cast.

A Year, that may Entitle all to Reft, With hopes uncommon. Comfort the Distrest ;(Tho great) the shortest Sorrows, are the best.A Year, that may prove faithful to the Crown,Oblige the Sword, the Mitre and the Gown,With one consent to pull Injustice down.

But leaving this, my Thoughts a while shall stray,Tend'ring to Truth, the Duty of the Day,And turn my Tide of Ink another way.

In praise of Truth, an honest Muse may Pride,

Which makes me hope, since mine makes Truth her Guide,

These following Wishes, may be Verified.

Therefore do Wish, but Wish without Dispair,

If With well meant, could lessen humane Care ;

The purport of this Wish, may be your Share.

May Fortune gracious be, not vent her Spight,On such as you, that do to all Men Right;But on your Foes, may all her Malice light.

For Foes there arc, tho Goodness cannot see,Where in the Grass they lye, and lurking be;But Christ himself had some! And why not we,